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Anyone from Menomonee Falls Wisconsin?

Just looking to see what anyone from my area is pulling in signal wise. Not 3G but call signal. In my driveway im pulling in 0-2 bars,same with inside my house. When I was on Sprint my call bars were always full but my data constantly sucked. Now with Verizon my data is constantly awesome but my call quality/signal strength sucks to the point of static on some calls and text messages not being delivered/recieved.
Ive taken my phone into the local store and the sales rep there let me use his phone briefly to take past my house/driveway so I could see if this was an issue on his as well and sure enough, his Tbolt had 1 bar. So I called a tech and was on the phone with him for almost an hour doing checks on things etc,and found my phone was hovering between -91 and -101dBm which is rather bad lol. So Verizon extended my 14 day period alittle longer until a truck roams thru my neighborhood to test the signal. This is kinda bothering me since my area is one of the many slated to get 4G on June 16th

No idea where this is, but in Kenosha I have almost no signal unless I'm downtown by the Metra stop
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Eau Claire here. I run 3 bars most of the time at home.
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Hartland/Pewaukee area here. Usually have zero problems unless I'm inside my apartment. 3-4 bars of 3G are the norm in every area of SE WI for me.

I live in West Allis, and work in Menomonee Falls... No issues.. signal is a little weak but I tether all the time while at work and it's fine.
I'm near Silver Spring and Pilgrim.
I have my bike here today, I could swing by your area and see if I have the same issues... PM me some cross streets or something.

gsxr1kmatt said:
I live in West Allis, and work in Menomonee Falls... No issues.. signal is a little weak but I tether all the time while at work and it's fine.
I'm near Silver Spring and Pilgrim.
I have my bike here today, I could swing by your area and see if I have the same issues... PM me some cross streets or something.
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Pretty much all the way up Appleton ave starting at Pilgrim up to the Marcus Cinema by Target (just short of Hwy Q) it hovers between 2 and 1.
Thing is, I have had a few techs tell me that the data signal and call signal are not the same thing. My data speeds are fine,ALOT better then Sprint, but its my calling signal thats off. I finally had the results of my ticket told to me today. Seems my area is going to not be an easy fix. There is an issue and supposedly the network team is on it, but something to do with living between 2 towers my phone is struggling to pick a dominate tower so its trying to pick one (or something like that, I was half asleep when he called back lol)
I wonder. When people were having issues with Sprint they would sometimes send them an Airwave unit to boost the signal in their homes for free. I wonder if Verizon would do the same since there IS a problem in my area. Off to research I go..Thanks everyone

My buddy works at the switch in appleton. I'll have him check it out!
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Richpopski123 said:
My buddy works at the switch in appleton. I'll have him check it out!
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Thank ya!!! I just got off the phone with tech support again and its noted on my account that they recommend a Network Extender but the best the rep will do is take off 50% of the cost of it. While its a decent offer, im still on the fence about it since I have to purchase it to be able to get a decent signal

You should get it for free, if it's their issue....
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Indeed, that was exactly my thinking. Sprint was tossing people Airwaves left and right for free if they had issues, guess everyone telling me that Verizon will "nickle and dime" me for everything has some merit. Too bad my trial period ended last night (it was extended until the results of my ticket were in).

[Q] Am I missing something with Wifi Calling?

We get charged minutes for wifi calling right? If that's the deal, what's the advantage?

gpmartinson said:
We get charged minutes for wifi calling right? If that's the deal, what's the advantage?
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You do not get charged minutes if you are on an eligible plan.
Here... http://consumerist.com/2011/05/t-mobile-adds-free-wifi-calling.html

yep
I guess I was missing something.

I mean really, the only thing would be if you're in an area with crappy T-Mobile reception, you can connect to someone's wifi.

gpmartinson said:
We get charged minutes for wifi calling right? If that's the deal, what's the advantage?
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I use it at home because otherwise I get terrible signal inside my apartment building. I have unlimited minutes so I don't worry about it using my plan.

SefEXE said:
I mean really, the only thing would be if you're in an area with crappy T-Mobile reception, you can connect to someone's wifi.
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It also comes in handy when you're overseas. Last I heard you don't get charged international roaming if you're using wifi calling.

I work in an old bomb rated telco Bunker (now our Network Operations Center)... reception is terrible, but not with Wifi calling!
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When the earthquake happened last week, all the mobile networks in NYC were jammed. However, Wi-Fi Calling let me get through, since it's routed over the Internet to T-Mobile instead of via the overcapacity cell towers!

andrewNY said:
When the earthquake happened last week, all the mobile networks in NYC were jammed. However, Wi-Fi Calling let me get through, since it's routed over the Internet to T-Mobile instead of via the overcapacity cell towers!
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Now that actually is a cool story bro!

Cel-fi @ t-mobil to increase cell signal.

I got a text from T-MOBIL last week telling me my accounts are eligible for a wireless cellular repeater to call T-MOBIL for more info.
I forgot about the text and today a 800 number called me. I was wondering who it was it was T-MOBIL, When I called back.
I guess I have another Christmas present coming.
I hope this fixes my problems. I posts a review.
I be using two different phone's:
1. LG G2X P999
2. SAMSUNG GALAXY S
Cel-Fi is a device, similar to a cellular repeater, designed to eliminate in-building dead zones and improve indoor mobile phone reception.
Created by Nextivity, Inc., the Cel-Fi systems are designed with smart antenna technology to seek out the best available signal to maximize signal gain to phone user. The
Cel-Fi consists of two wireless devices, a Window Unit and Coverage Unit that work jointly to increase 3G and 4G mobile broadband connectivity throughout the building. The window unit receives the signal and relays it to the receiver, which converts it and amplifies it.
Trialed for a period of time in both the US and UK by T-Mobile. Approved in UK by T-Mobile and Orange in 2011. Cel-Fi systems are comparable to mobile phone repeaters and femtocell technology.
I HOPE THIS IS IN THE RIGHT FOURM.
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Just ordered mine as signal issues have been ongoing for 8 months or so. The requirements as I was told are as follows:
1. You must have only ONE BAR of signal at your home.
2. You must live in either a Residental home OR an apartment complex.
3. Have a cell plan of $65.00 or more per month.
4. They Charge for shipping ( ground - $6.51 Expedite $20.00) must be paid immedialty on a credit card.
5.They EXTENDED your contract for 2 yrs. ( I had done so 2 months prior , so they extended it for 2 more months)
6. You have 20 days to decide if the unit works for you, or you must return.
7. If you leave t-Mobile, you must return the device or they will charge $500.00 for it.
Anyone wanting the device should go directly to " specialized care dept" not customer service.
Specialized care Dept, who actually handles the devices. I was told they do NOT have then in the stores. really hoping it helps my signal issues, as I'm concerened about T-Mobile and the issues they have us all experencing . Once I receive the unit and try it out, I'll report back on how good/bad it is. Good luck out there, Hoping the next year comes with much Improvements on thier behalf... And I be alot happier next year!!!
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RESERVED!!!
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Sounds pretty cool if you don't have wifi. But if you do have wifi at home, why not just use wifi calling? Still, this is cool information.

C0dy said:
Sounds pretty cool if you don't have wifi. But if you do have wifi at home, why not just use wifi calling? Still, this is cool information.
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For me I still miss calls and I still get dropped calls.
WI-FI works most of the times and sometimes it does not work at all, Or not properly.
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I get 2-3 bars at 4G now in my whole house, Before this I had no signal except when WI-FI calling was active.
I'LL repost how well it works at a later date.
Thanks
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What frequency band does the Window unit use to talk to the Coverage unit?
If it's 2.4GHz, it could seriously interfere with wifi internet in your home...is that the case?

lannister80 said:
What frequency band does the Window unit use to talk to the Coverage unit?
If it's 2.4GHz, it could seriously interfere with wifi internet in your home...is that the case?
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What frequency is used to communicate between the two boxes?
Cel-Fi uses channels from both the UNII-1 (either 5.15-5.25 GHz OR 5.25-5.35GHz) and the UNII-2 block (5.47-5.725 GHz) to communicate between the Window Unit and the Coverage Unit.
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I wonder if they have something for multiple users in an apartment building.
Everyone in the basement of my building gets very little service. I think my landlord would be willing to buy a booster to help the situation. Is there such a thing?

They told me it covers 13,000
SQ./FT.
Prices are about $500.00 US
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Thanks for the answer. Does it cover multiple users who are not on a family plan or anything?

gggirlgeek said:
I wonder if they have something for multiple users in an apartment building.
Everyone in the basement of my building gets very little service. I think my landlord would be willing to buy a booster to help the situation. Is there such a thing?
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I do recall when I worked with T-Mobile that they would sometimes work deals with landlords to provide service to apartment or business buildings. It would need to be the person who owns the property who contacts them, and they have a specific number to contact... I just don't remember what it is right now. It's the same department that handles leasing space for towers, but they also dealt with large buildings. A device like this may not fall under that department, but I'm sure if your landlord contacted T-Mobile's customer relations (not just customer service) then someone would be willing to discuss it.

Well it's only 8 people in the basement, and not all on T-mo so it sounds like they'll just have to stick with wifi calling... or hangin' their head out the window.

I have had this since December.
Here's what's new.
I get 4 bars of signal in my house, garage and outside in my yard.
Single story house.
Exceed all my need very happy to not miss calls any calls or text messages. No more WI-FI calling for me was very unreliable compared to this option.
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I'd love to get this, but I'm not really trying to extend my contract with T-Mobile.
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FatalityBoyZahy said:
I'd love to get this, but I'm not really trying to extend my contract with T-Mobile.
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I got rid of my contracts and switched to the walmart prepaid version of tmobile (family mobile). 55$ a month 8gb of data is nice for a single line. It uses tmobile towers and service, the only drawback I have found is you cant use google voice or call forwarding other then that, it works well for me.
If you live in an area that gets poor signal or if your house blocks alot of the signal you can call them and complain constantly, and they will eventually give you a signal booster. Especially if you have been on tmobile for a while.

You can buy it for $500.00 and no contract. LOL
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kwes1020 said:
I got rid of my contracts and switched to the walmart prepaid version of tmobile (family mobile). 55$ a month 8gb of data is nice for a single line. It uses tmobile towers and service, the only drawback I have found is you cant use google voice or call forwarding other then that, it works well for me.
If you live in an area that gets poor signal or if your house blocks alot of the signal you can call them and complain constantly, and they will eventually give you a signal booster. Especially if you have been on tmobile for a while.
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No google voice? How do they manage to block that?

kwes1020 said:
I got rid of my contracts and switched to the walmart prepaid version of tmobile (family mobile). 55$ a month 8gb of data is nice for a single line. It uses tmobile towers and service, the only drawback I have found is you cant use google voice or call forwarding other then that, it works well for me.
If you live in an area that gets poor signal or if your house blocks alot of the signal you can call them and complain constantly, and they will eventually give you a signal booster. Especially if you have been on tmobile for a while.
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So I can convince them to give me the signal booster without extending my contract? My family has been with T-Mobile since 2004? I think... Haha. Also, does it just boost signal for calling, or does it boost HSPA+ and such?

In my case they had on file that we call all the time for no service.
Read my first two post a lot of info there.
I post some screen shots.
Hope that helps.
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What is the best radio for a frustrated ATT CUSTOMER

I have try the original that came with the phone. Ucle2. Uclf6. And none seem to work in the basement i guess is not equipment or software it must be coverage.
I get frustrated when I see coworkers using their Verizon phone without any problem
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I believe I saw a map once of which radios work best in which areas. Can anyone help me out on a link?

I believe I read somewhere that Verizon frequencies are better at solid object penatration.
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att might just have bad reception in your basement. if it's a problem for you get a microcell http://www.att.com/standalone/3gmicrocell/. some times if you call and complain about reception in your home they will discount the cost of one.

I had to buy my micro cell. It works dam good. Couldn't get signal where I lived it gave me 5 full bars. If you leave att or don't have an account it wont work. If your looking for one I'm selling mine. Went prepaid and don't have att account. Pm me for details
Sent from the dark side of CM9 on my skyrocket.

That microcell looks very promising, my mom gets very poor service in her home, and though I couldn't find what it costs, she said she would drop her home phone if she got better home coverage, so it should negate whatever it does cost.
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Cell repeater
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edgex said:
That microcell looks very promising, my mom gets very poor service in her home, and though I couldn't find what it costs, she said she would drop her home phone if she got better home coverage, so it should negate whatever it does cost.
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When I got mine it was $200
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Was only 150 when I bought mine. Att gave me a mail in rebate for the full amount. Lucky me eh.
Sent from the dark side of CM9 on my skyrocket.

One thing to keep in mind with repeaters/cell boosters though is that your signal will only be as good as what the booster is getting despite what your phone shows. For example if your Booster has a -95 dBm signal at the roof then even if your phone shows -68 dBm while at the other end you are still just getting the -95dBm so your 5 bars is just your signal to the booster not the actual cell network

MicroCell
I was really lucky. I got a letter from AT&T to come on down and pick one up, all I had to do was keep my cell contact for 12 months, I had just signed a new one for 2 years anyways.
Went from 1-2 bars to 4-5 on my SR and my wifes Apple 3gs.
IF you can get one do. But keep in mind that the way it works is that you have to set it up with and get a GPS signal. Then it will use your internet connect to make and receive calls while your phone is on the MicroCell. I have never really seen any issues either with my call performance or internet speeds while on the phone.

T.J. Bender said:
I believe I saw a map once of which radios work best in which areas. Can anyone help me out on a link?
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Pretty sure it was on cyanogenmod website
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Verizon 4G Outage in NYC

I had it the whole time throughout the storm and just lost it as of 9AM this morning. In the upper Bronx area here. Find myself constantly dropping down between 3G and 1X. Likely they are just doing repairs to the towers. Anyone else reporting any outage?
Speedtest Reports: 753ms ping, 0.07mbps down, 0.02mbps up

I think you might be roaming on sprints network
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open1your1eyes0 said:
I had it the whole time throughout the storm and just lost it as of 9AM this morning. In the upper Bronx area here. Find myself constantly dropping down between 3G and 1X. Likely they are just doing repairs to the towers. Anyone else reporting any outage?
Speedtest Reports: 753ms ping, 0.07mbps down, 0.02mbps up
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Although I am not in the NYC area (thank god) my HOME internet from verizon is even suffering. I pay for 75/35 and I am getting .5 down / .4 up. ****s bad.

check this what I dont understand how it was working perfect during storm and now boom
i barely get signal
Code:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1964391

Being from Texas and hurricane survivor since 1961 you are lucky you are on Verizon and have any signal. After the hurricane FEMA commandeers bandwidth. Between this and down towers Verizon is only carrier left with anything usable. Verizon only thing working here after hurricane. All others have no signal at all or you have to keep trying till you can fall in line for quick call before getting cut off. Forget data altogether.

Hm, I'm in the South Bronx (le hood if you will) and I had complete 4G with no outage all throughout the night and through today. Maybe just something affecting the upper area.

Generally the reason service seems to get worse after a storm is because cell sites go on generator or battery when the power outage hits. It t-shirt takes hours for the juice to run out but when it does that's when you notice the problem.

dennisi01 said:
Generally the reason service seems to get worse after a storm is because cell sites go on generator or battery when the power outage hits. It t-shirt takes hours for the juice to run out but when it does that's when you notice the problem.
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Oh that makes a lot of sence thanks a lot for that info!

patt2k said:
check this what I dont understand how it was working perfect during storm and now boom
i barely get signal
Code:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1964391
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My guess is some towers were taken off for repair. After playing around for a bit I'm able to get 4G on one side of my apartment but not the other (the one that has always worked for me even through the storm). Might actually be a local issue here but probably still affects a few customers in upper NYC area.

No signal on Staten Island, getting a random text every now and then but haven't successfully made or received a call in 24 hrs.
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Just an update: One of my towers is still down (the main one). Still using mobile hotspot from a distance in my apartment to get 4G access.

Midtown here. 4G working fine.

ONE of the many situations in NY city is that cell towers in areas with no power are running on gas generators and many are starting to run out of fuel.

sRDennyCrane said:
ONE of the many situations in NY city is that cell towers in areas with no power are running on gas generators and many are starting to run out of fuel.
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Hmm...good point.

I think 4g is down in North Jersey
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ckrenek23 said:
No signal on Staten Island, getting a random text every now and then but haven't successfully made or received a call in 24 hrs.
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I'm also on Staten Island, by Forest & Richmond. I've had a weak 3G signal on my S3 since yesterday. My iPhone 4S is practically unusable also. Fails on a lot of text messages, and calls can barely hold. My girlfriend said it sounds like I'm in the Battery Tunnel every time we speak. Imagine my embarrassment after mocking my parents who had no signal with their MetroPCS phones, and now I can barely receive a timely text on either of my phones.
The weather widgets on my lock screen and homescreen have pulled in data from Jersey City, Elizabeth, and Bayonne in the last few days. I think it's picking up from the strongest tower nearby at random.
My FiOS has been spotty also. I think I saw ABC7 scroll info about Verizon Communications getting hit hard during Sandy. Might take a few days before we're good again.

4G is out on a lot of Long Island too...I usually have strong 4G all the way in to work, now I'm in Manhassett and can't even get 1X (usually get ~90 dBm 4G). Couldn't send any texts yesterday at all. Hopefully they'll come back as power comes back, we still don't have traffic lights or anything.

Never lost 4g here, I'm in the middle of the bronx

Got back to work on Wednesday in Fairfield NJ and 4g was gone and 3g is spotty as hell. I'm not the only one in the building with the issue either.
At home well... I almost never get signal anyway. Still fighting verizon about that one, my droid charge had signal in my house.

prdog1 said:
Being from Texas and hurricane survivor since 1961 you are lucky you are on Verizon and have any signal. After the hurricane FEMA commandeers bandwidth. Between this and down towers Verizon is only carrier left with anything usable. Verizon only thing working here after hurricane. All others have no signal at all or you have to keep trying till you can fall in line for quick call before getting cut off. Forget data altogether.
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That is partially true, but they have been working hard to develop a public safety specific network to prevent the need for that kind of thing. It used to be an absolute necessity, but with these public safety networks being stood up the "regular" network is far less affected by those types of uses.